A partnership between the FIJI Water Foundation, the New Zealand High Commission and villagers of Nananu, in Tailevu, was celebrated on Thursday
The celebration marked the official opening of the village’s Gaunavou Kindergarten - a $35,000 project.

Located between Ratu Kadavulevu School and Natovi landing, Nananu is home to about 200 community members.

A kindergarten was first established in the village community hall in 2005, but classes were often cancelled as they competed for space with other events and meetings.

The kindergarten was also unable to register officially with the Ministry of Education.

United States Peace Corps volunteer, Ashley Kramer has been based in Nananu since 2008.

She helped the community establish a kindergarten committee with the goal of fundraising for the project.

After applying for assistance in 2009, the committee was thrilled to receive a FIJI Water Foundation grant of $28,000 for the building.

Building materials were provided by the company, while labour was provided and managed by Nananu villagers and the kindergarten committee.

Initially, construction was moving well, but because of the devaluation of the Fiji dollar last year, the planned budget fell short.

Fortunately, the Commission came on board to provide an additional $7000 funding to complete the school toilet block, a septic tank as well as other necessities, including fencing and a footpath.

During the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office, Colonel Pio Tikoduadua, announced that Government would also donate furniture to the school.

Among other guests welcomed on Thursday were David Roth, FIJI Water's director of external affairs, Peter Lund, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, representatives of Vinod Patel and Company Limited and US Peace Corps volunteers.

All guests noted that the project represented a fantastic success of private, public and community partnership, one which should be replicated throughout Fiji.

Nananu Village headman, Jone Bulewagaga, said the project was succesful because villagers worked hard without getting paid.

He said, its was for the betterment of their village and the future of their children.

The new kindergarten has generated enthusiasm for Early Childhood Education.

Since the project began, a school bank account has been set up and regular fundraising drives have collected funds for learning materials.

The kindergarten roll has doubled from 16 to 32 and regular school attendance has improved by more than 30 per cent.

The committee is working on registering the kindergarten.

Ms Kramer said, “The building is more than a structure in which to hold classes.”

Source: Fiji Sun June 26, 2010